A group of supporters has rallied behind suspended Central Methodist Church (CMC) Bishop Paul Verryn.

The Friends of Paul Verryn met in Johannesburg on Sunday to plan their support for the embattled bishop.

"He's one of the top church people of our generation. What he's going through is horrendous," group member Wendy Landau told Sapa. "He's got feelings. He needs to know there are people out there routing for him."

Facebook support group

Landau created a group on social networking site Facebook on Saturday. It had over 140 fans by Sunday night.

"By joining and participating (in) this page, we endeavour to work together in consultation with each other on ways to speak out publicly about our concerns and support," the group's page said.

Comments posted group members on the Facebook page ranged from support to accusations of conspiracy.

"If this country had another thousand like you, we'd be such a richer space, in terms of caring for those who need it most in times of great need as now!," wrote Brian Sandberg.

"(The attack) is part of the xenophobia which will soon spread to attacks on the hated whites," said Costa Gazi. "Somalis have been murdered by the dozens in our democratic land, and even Paul... has not reached them. We are all the victims of ANC dictatorship and must fight back more effectively."

A lot of the commentators were disgruntled Methodist churchgoers and even ministers, said Landau. "There's a real hunger in the Methodist Church to express concern," she said.

Verryn is not involved in the group at all but aware of its activities and appreciates the support, Landau said.

Appropriate response considered

The Friends of Paul Verryn's Sunday meeting discussed what is happening in the church and the appropriate response, as well as how to care for people living in innercity Johannesburg, Landau said. One reason for the opposition he is facing now is because of his help for refugees and the poor, she said.

Landau met Verryn 25 years ago in Methodist youth structures and later worked with him on anti-apartheid initiatives. Verryn also was a legal officer at Landau's wedding.

He was suspended for taking legal action on behalf of the Methodist Church and for speaking to the media despite a Church embargo, his attorney Jason Brickhill said in a statement on Friday.

Verryn brought legal action in 2009 to appoint a curator for unaccompanied minor children who live at the CMC after the Gauteng Provincial Government tried to remove them. Human Rights Advocate Ann Skelton of the Centre for Child Law was appointed guardian to the 56 unaccompanied children. At the time, the Methodist Church said only the church's general secretary or a presiding bishop had the authority to launch applications on behalf of the Church.

"It's a fight for soul of the Church," Landau said. "It's about what Paul can and can't do."

Verryn could not be reached for immediate comment.